T
he National Association of Realtors has issued a cease and desist letter to Phoenix Realtors regarding their MLS Choice option, which allows access to the MLS outside the traditional three-tier membership system. NAR is defending its requirement for Realtors to join local, state, and national associations. MLS Choice costs $249 annually and does not grant access to association benefits or the ability to use the Realtor title. Phoenix Realtors view MLS Choice as a modernization effort, while NAR emphasizes the importance of maintaining standards for the Realtor brand. NAR does not mandate Realtor association membership for MLS access, and has faced resistance to membership rules in recent months.